Millionaire's Row...The Gold Coast...Millionaire's Mile

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7; NIV)

In my mind, I'm a millionaire. No, wait...scratch that...Billionaire! I live in a neighborhood deemed The Gold Coast. My street, affectionately referred to as the Alpha Street. What state? I haven't quite decided yet, because it's all in my miniature world! See, if I think it, I can do it. If I can do it in miniature, just maybe ONE DAY I will do it in REAL LIFE!!

Inspired by Lori Aliano (featured in the February 2007 issue of Miniature Collector), I've decided to start an exclusive residential neighborhood, consisting of miniature mansions that would make even the real life "Billionaire's Playground" in Boca Raton (Palm Beach, Florida) look like middle class housing!


Millionaire's Mile...Millionaire's Row...common wealthy street names in real life; I need to find a name that will fit my miniature country club/estate/neighborhood! I need to do some more research to come up with a unique name. That will happen at a later date.

Here are the first three properties that will adorn my miniature Alpha Street (guess I'll have to come up with a street name as well):

La Visión Manor Le Reve Estate La Revelación Manor

You probably recognize all of these miniature mansions from Real Good Toys (Foxhall Manor, 3200 Shell Kit, and the Thornhill). I guess I've somewhat fell in love with this company (because of the sizes of these homes and the flexibility with interchanging extensions and component parts) and have decided to construct the entire neighborhood by this company.

The Newport (which undoubtedly will be renamed) and all its additions, patiently awaits its turn for construction and to be added to the neighborhood! (Of course that's a ways off because I still have to find a location in my home that will support this neighborhood, as well as finding the time to construct the actual community grounds!)

I'm excited about this project because I know that God has given me a vision, a dream, and a revelation on how to create my miniature community, as well as what I will have in "real" life. (What I mean by "real life" is, I'm a King's Kid and will definitely live in His Kingdom...whether it's here on earth or when I get to heaven!)

Now that I've shared with you what I've been working on, I sure hope you come back and visit to check my progress. I know I've been slow to post, but sometimes life gets in the way. I'll try to do better.

God bless and see you soon!

From a Mess to a Masterpiece!

Have you ever felt like you were just a mess? Or that you had made a mess of something? Well, when I first started the Thornhill, I thought that I had made a mess of it. But now, as I continue to work on it, I can see that it is becoming a masterpiece. And, that every little bit of work I do on it, determines just what a beautiful masterpiece it will be.

After thinking about this for a few minutes, I turned this same focus onto my personal life. See, God has turned me from a MESS to a MASTERPIECE. Just a few years ago, I considered myself a complete MESS. I wasn't sure what I really wanted in/out of life and didn't even realize that I had a bigger issue at hand (where would I be spending eternity). However, since I've accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and have decided to walk with Him and the Father (God), I've noticed that my life is turning into a MASTERPIECE, just like this Thornhill.

I've decided to make a sitting area/study in this house. The reason is simple; the owner needs a place to go to retreat and be able to study God's word (the Bible). Although I had some difficulties putting this room together, I managed to pull it together and it looks rather comfy. Of course there's still lots more to do to this room to make it look REAL. But for now, you get the idea of what this room will be and how it will be utilized!

The Master Bedroom started off with just the "tangerine" wallpaper (or, scrapbook paper) and my idea of adding some green, cream, and brown to the mix. I had this bedroom set just sitting out in the garage and realized it was "modern" enough to go inside of the Thornhill. (I like how it looks in this room too!) Of course the bedding will need to match the color-scheme of this room, so I will have to do some sewing. (I'm actually excited about it because Gabriel said she has some ideas-we know where Gabriel is getting the ideas from, now don't we?) But, I'll let Gabriel take credit...for now! This room has a long ways to go as well (i.e., artwork additions to the walls, items to make it look like a real master suite!) *Since the master suite has a master bath connected, I want to make sure I keep everything color-coordinated. Stay tuned for that!

And now that I have the entry doors painted (exterior and interior), I've finally permanently affixed them. The paint colors match pretty well with the foyer floor tiles. (I hope I didn't ruin the tile flooring. I was on an experimental quest with Modge Podge and used it to "seal" the tile flooring. Well, I don't think this particular flooring needed sealing.) Oh well, I'm sure Gabriel will let me know exactly what I should/should not have done with this flooring. So far, I am pretty impressed with the progress of the Thornhill and will continue to chomp away at it. Until next time, God bless you all and remember to continue to pray for our great nation and its leaders. Because, whether we agree with their decisions or not, they have been appointed to lead us and we must continue to pray for them! Who knows, just maybe this MESS of a world will eventually turn into a MASTERPIECE. After all, if God can do it for me, I KNOW He can do it for the WORLD.

Who Uses the Kitchen Table to Eat?

I guess I'm officially a miniature addict now. My kitchen table is covered in miniature "works in progress." Doors needing to be painted, glue for repairs, wax paper to "protect" the table, and anything else that I may need while working on several projects at once. To be honest, no room is completely safe. There seems to be miniatures in every single room of the house (along with a bible, of course)! Who uses their kitchen table to eat off of anyways? I know I don't. I usually eat at work anyways. Because, by the time I get home, it's time to do homework and then off to bed.
Never-the-less, I've seem to have taken up shop in the family room too. The table that's normally used for playing games or eating has miniature stuff all over it as well. (I plan to clean one of them this weekend-most likely the one in the family room-and try to focus more on staying in one area when mini-ing.)

This weekend proves to be challenging. But, in Romans 8:37, God tells me that I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR, so I already know that I'll get everything accomplished on my list of "to-do's" this weekend and still have time to PRAISE HIM!

Speaking of Praising Him, I want to take a moment and ask everyone to pray for the folks in Alabama. Although the storm was devastating, I know that Jesus is right there. And, if you made it through, know that He kept you. So, you should be praising Him for that alone.
I think God is trying to show us/tell us that the end is very near. He's giving us warning before the judgment. (What else can be said of the signs and wonders taking place right before our very eyes?) The devil would like for us to call it by some scientific name, but we believers know what's really going on. I'm getting my house in order...to include this physical house (by cleaning it up this weekend). Please, get your house in order too.

God bless and see you later!
Oh, here's the family room table (just so you know I am not exaggerating about my mini world taking over):

Modern Enough?

I have a few furniture pieces that I've located and decided to test out in the Thornhill. They seem to be modern "enough" but I know that I still have to do some things to them to make them a little more modern.

The living room has been all wallpapered and is waiting for the sectional to be reupohlstered. I'm thinking of cream, brown, and orange for the colors. I found a little wooden shelf and painted it white. I think it will go well in the living room. I'll just need to add some nice modern art pieces to it.

The sitting room still has work to be done, but I'm liking the looks of it thus far. I'll add a splash of brown to make the cream stand out. Of course some art on the wall(s) and perhaps some other tidbits here and there. I've ordered the french double doors and am waiting patiently for them to arrive. Once they arrive, I'll install them and get the full effect of the room view(s)!

Finally, the master bedroom furniture is a favorite. When I purchased them, they were supposed to have been black. But, we know that Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good for those that love him, who are called according to His purpose" which means that I may have purchased the furniture by mistake, but He knew it would all work out just fine! I still have some interior trim to work on in the master bedroom, as well as painting the interior windows.

The guest bathroom will be a little tricky because I've chosen polka dot wallpaper. Something about the wallpaper made me smile (I don't know if it was the green and yellow or the polks dots themselves)! I think I'm going to paint the bathroom furniture some sort of olive green-to bring out the wallpaper. Who knows...where ever God leads me, I will follow!

All-in-all, this project is coming along rather nicely. I have to give praise to God because it wasn't in me to create such a wonderful mansion; but He is the one who gave me the color schemes and design ideas!

Praise Him in all you do today and watch how He makes your projects wonderful! Be blessed.

Tetelestai! ("It Is Finished!")-Happy Resurrection Day!

Tetelestai...Greek for "It is Finished!"
I wish I could say this for at least one of my mini mansions, but I can't. I wish I could say this for one of my mini furniture projects. Yet again, I can't. But, what I can say is that ALL of my sins have been "Paid In Full" by Christ...and to that, I can say "Tetelestai!"

Today, I celebrate Jesus. Today, I celebrate what he did for ME...so many years ago. Today, I celebrate His love for me. I can't think of a single person today that would do the same. For Him, I am so grateful.

No bunny ears, no chocolate candy, and no boiled eggs dyed in various colors. What I do have, is His Last Seven Words and a heartfelt THANK YOU.

I hope you all found a way to acknowledge Christ on today and to give Him THANKS for the pain and suffering He endured for US ("us" meaning those that believe)!

Peace and blessings to you all.

Living Large In a Small Mansion

The title of today's blog is two-fold. 1) It addresses how I feel about living in this earthly body. My spirit is large; but is being contained in a mini mansion. That is, until I'm free to soar like I was meant to do! And, 2) Sometimes we would like things in "real life" that we simply cannot afford. So, my motto is: "If you can't have it in real life, why not have it in miniature?!" Thus, the title of this blog: "Living Large in a Small Mansion!"

I probably mentioned it somewhere on this blog before, but just in case I haven't, here it is again: My Thornhill will be a modern miniature mansion. The dollhouse world seems to focus on the Victorian era, but I think with us being well into the 21st Century, dollhouses should progress there as well. And, as luck would have it, I've spent some time perusing the internet for other modernly furnished mini homes and have found some amazing sites.

One of my favorite sites is Modern Mini Houses. This site not only has phenomenal pictures of modern mini settings, but also has a directory for quite a few of the best modern mini designers.

I've obtained a few modern mini pieces, but have decided to venture into the world of attempting to make my own. (Oh, don't get me wrong, I will more than likely purchase more than I make!) But, I truly must thank God because I believe He has blessed me and my family when it comes to working with our hands. Most hobbies we learn, we manage to perfect. My mother is the best seamstress south of the Mason-Dixon Line. She can make anything without a pattern! I can sew...but not to that extent! (You'd better give me a pattern if you want it to come out right!) Never-the-less, I would be remiss if I didn't put my trust and faith in God and His capabilities of working through my very hands to fulfill the goal of making some of my own modern minis!

1 Corinthians 12:4 declares, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."

I have yet to discover my spiritual gift, but I do know that my dollhouses are meant to soothe the soul and to edify His kingdom (hence, the donations of these mini homes to bring healing and smiles to children who are less fortunate and/or battling terminal illnesses).

Gabriel believes my dollhouses are my gift, but I am not so sure. I feel there's something more God wants me to do. But, in the mean time, I will continue to work on them and do what I believe to be for the betterment of His kingdom. (This will also keep Gabriel happy!)

I found a white sectional at a thrift store near my house. I thought it would make the perfect "modern" piece for the living room. I will attempt to reupholster the sectional in colors that are more complimentary to my setting! I think it has great potential. Stay tuned as to how I do with this project!

God bless!

Iron Sharpens Iron...

Praise God!! I have my FIRST blog follower! And, as God would have it, it's a brother in Christ! I spent some time last night on Steve Finnell's blogspot, "A Christian-With-A-View" and I enjoyed it so much. There are so many biblical teachings on the site and makes for some very good study time! As I am always thirsting for the living water, this is a place that provides pure water! I encourage you to check it out-for yourself.

As we know, Proverbs 27:17 says: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. If the word is the sword and a sword is made out of iron, then we sharpen one another by speaking the word to one another! I thank God for Brother Finnell because it is not by chance that he is following my blog and I am following his!!

I want to commend Brother Finnell in taking time to write such a wonderful blog. Especially in a world where everyone wants to silence the word of the Lord and no one wants to recognize the awesome power of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God. Thank you, Brother Finnell for being a mighty laborer for the awesome God we serve!

Scripture for today: Matthew 9:37 "...the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (NIV)

Thornhill Wallpaper

Did you know that scrapbook paper makes for wonderful dollhouse wallpapers? I went to A.C. Moore, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, and Micheal's and stocked up on the most beautiful papers! (I also purchased some "Yes" paste because this is the best adhesive for applying the scrapbook paper to the walls.)

Wait, let me back up. I know it's been quite a while since I've last blogged or worked on my dollhouses. Well, this past weekend I stayed up all night Friday night and worked on the Thornhill. I needed some prayer time and did so while working on this mini mansion! I was talking to God, measuring and cutting "wallpaper" and before I knew it, the sun was up!

I've decided to turn this Thornhill into a modern miniature home. It will have all of the "bells and whistles" that none of my other mini estates have (i.e., a working television, a working ceiling fan, and a working clock). Plus, it will be decorated in vibrant colors that compliment a more contemporary lifestyle.

I can't wait to start on the crown molding, chair rails, and baseboards. I'm excited about color schemes for the rooms and have even decided to "bash" some of my furniture kits to see if I can make some modern furniture! (I would say, "Wish me luck" with making my own modern furniture; but I don't need luck because I have GOD.) And if you don't believe me, just read it for yourself:

Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

So, with a little bit of glue, a Dremel, some sandpaper, and My Helper (Jesus), watch me turn a few dollhouse furniture kits into modern masterpieces!!

God bless and see you all soon!

Finally-Charity is Awaiting!!

I know it's been a while since I've last blogged, but sometimes life just seems to get the best of me. I try to take only one day at a time, but sometimes several of them creep up on me and knock me down!

Anyway, the miniature home for the Children's Hospital is finally complete! I like to call it the Crimson & Cream Abode (inspired by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. )! I'd been tasked with making so many pink and green homes (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.-inspired) that I just wanted to do one with the infamous crimson and cream colors honored by the Deltas.

Of course you can poke the picture to get a closer view of the house.

I'm hoping to deliver this home to the hospital some time in the next week or so. Pray that it puts a major smile on some little girl's face! (I'll keep you posted!)

Foxhall Manor Foyer

I met a very special lady on Facebook who was liquidating her miniature collection and found it in her heart to bless me with her collection. Words cannot express how grateful I was to receive such an abundance of miniatures! Gabriel seems to think that it has something to do with my desires to give miniature homes to the children that are battling cancer or some other horrific disease. Gabriel said, "The getting begins with the giving." I believe Gabriel is on to something.

Needless to say, one of the items I received were plants. There were two that were in gold pots. I thought they would look beautiful in the Foxhall Manor. They would accent the hallway landing and bring life to the miniature home. I love how the foyer turned out. Of course there's still so much more to do, but so far, the home is looking rather lovely.

Paying Tribute to the President & First Lady

The entry foyer and second floor landing are what make the Foxhall Manor such a splendid piece of miniature real estate. And since we now have a splendid President (Obama) and First Lady, I thought I would pay tribute to them by putting their pictures up somewhere prominent in the house. I'm still searching for the right family photo for the first floor foyer. Gabriel thinks I should have put these portraits on the first floor, but I thought they looked better on the second floor because of the wall space on each side of the french doors. Gabriel isn't going to be satisfied until I find a portrait of the First Family for the main entry foyer.

So, my search begins.